Happy Birthday to me…..happy birthday to me…..

Can you believe it?! One year ago today I posted my first post on the new ‘Positively Jane’s’ website.  Actually, I posted 2 things:

• ‘What Does it Mean to be Still?’
• ‘What I Learned While Planting an Organic Vegetable Garden'

Could any articles be further apart? Although maybe they go hand in hand – since God created the 1st garden and I am positive it was organic!  Anyway….

They are definitely random thoughts….from a ‘Lifestyle Blogger’. Now, in full confession, I really had NO idea what being a lifestyle blogger even meant. I sure have learned a lot!

As a blogger…

I had NO idea how to set up a website, write posts or add photos. Or where to even get the photos. First I had to come up with a name. I asked my family for input – I wish I had all of their suggestions because some of them were hilarious!

I also didn’t know I had to pay attention to things like: 

• ‘Brand’ – colors, fonts, and overall look and feel
•  SEO (search engine optimization) – did you know that Google has ‘bots’ that crawl around looking for relevant content for you?
• Social media followers
• Instagram posts and stories
• Graphic design programs
• YouTube video editing programs WITH text and voice overs
• Tripods, lighting and backdrops
• Editorial calendars
• Creating Pin worthy images

The list goes on and on. I call it – ALL.THE.THINGS.

Who knew?! Certainly not me. Did you know all of that?

I ask myself a lot – would I have started if I knew what was actually involved? I don’t have any answer. What I do know is this – I love the connection that I have with all of my readers – especially YOU! I love the comments and emails that I receive. I love it when a post helps someone through a difficult time in their life.

Now, are you asking yourself – ‘Why did she even begin?’

That is a really great question. Here is my short (ish) answer 🙂

• My daughter had a blog and I loved reading it. I kept up with her life and her business through her blog. Her website, Studio 46:10, was the 1st non business website I ever looked at besides my card making girls. I had NO idea what a blog even was.
• My kids were all gone, my husband was retired, and I had a lot of time (or so I thought) on my hands.
• I am older. I have raised 4 kids. I have been married 39 years.  Been broke. Had money. Love budgets.  Love organization. Love Jesus. Love life. Love life’s victories.
• I thought I had a lot to share. Wise things to share. How to navigate life things.  I was hoping that maybe all the women in today’s world could live their own lives in victory.  Victory over all that culture, others and social media have to say.

And so it began….

Every week (sometimes twice a week) I have sent out an email with 1, 2, or 3 posts.  Some of them are card making and crafts. Some are travel and baking. Some are about budgets. But most of them are about life.  How to navigate life and be set free. Well….that was my intention and goal. (Hopefully it has been achieved).

So much has changed – my format, website, and photo style to name just a few. But ONE thing that has NOT changed in this past year is this –

I have come to realize that I really have a heart for women. 

Women of all ages. Women who struggle with self worth. Women who struggle with being married or being a mom. Women who struggle with money. Women who struggle with their bodies. Women who hide it all so that no one really knows what they are really thinking and feeling.  

I write to YOU.

Thanks so much for hanging out with me.  I really appreciate you reading what I have to say. I really appreciate you sharing PositivelyJane with all of your friends.  I really appreciate you.

As my ‘mission statement says – ‘My hope is that women of all ages will travel their life’s highway with less baggage, and become wiser and inspired to live a fuller and richer life.’ I would like to add… a victorious life.

Just in case you missed it, and are curious about who I am, you might want to read ‘Who is Jane….really?’

What will the next year bring?

I have so much planned for this next year. I will be revamping my website…. again. I have a Craft Room Organization Guide/Course coming out soon. I am creating scripture card downloads for you so that you will always be reminded that God loves you just the way you are. Because you are definitely lovely, worthy, and cherished. Even have a ‘Random Acts of Kindness’ challenge coming out soon.

And, If you have a minute could you let me know what your favorite PositivelyJane post is? You can either comment below or drop a note to: hello@positivelyjane.net